Congress Returns to Face December Funding Deadline
Lawmakers came back to Washington after a five-week break with a Dec. 11 deadline to pass a new funding package.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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Congress returned to session after a five-week break following the midterm elections, which changed the balance of power in Washington. Lawmakers must pass a new funding package by Dec. 11 to avoid a government shutdown, though a shutdown is not considered likely.
Why it matters
Democrats will take control of the House and Senate in January, and both parties are preparing for the new majority. Any meaningful legislation will likely require bipartisan support, shaping how key budget business is handled before the handover.
Congress has until Dec. 11 to pass a new funding package, and the new Congress is sworn in Jan. 3. Whether Democrats can block war funding for Iran remains uncertain.
The players
President Donald Trump
Trump is the current President of the United States, who has vowed to use his veto power against Democratic-backed bills after the new Congress takes office.
The details
Preparations for the new majority include leadership elections, new committee chairs, additional freshman staff, and a new legislative agenda. Democrats are expected to focus on affordability, immigration, healthcare, and war funding, while President Donald Trump has vowed to use his veto power against Democratic-backed bills after Jan. 3.
Timeline
Nov. 9, 2026: Congress returns to session after a five-week break.
Dec. 11, 2026: Deadline to pass a new funding package or face a government shutdown.
Jan. 3, 2027: New Congress is sworn in and Democrats take control.
Political Context
Trump's veto threat sets up a standoff with Democrats who will control the House and Senate in January, following the pattern of lame-duck funding fights during divided government. Democrats' push on Iran war funding would mark a sharp break from the administration's military priorities.
A failure to pass funding by Dec. 11 would disrupt federal operations, though a shutdown is not considered likely. Changes in congressional control in January could shift which federal programs and priorities receive funding in the coming year.
The takeaway
Watch the Dec. 11 deadline closely, since it will reveal how much bipartisan cooperation is possible before Democrats take control. The outcome will signal how the new majority and President Trump's veto threat will shape legislative action in 2027.
What happens next
Congress must pass a new funding package by Dec. 11 to avoid a government shutdown, and the new Congress is sworn in Jan. 3, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in Legislative Policy for context on how Congress moves funding bills.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 13.
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